Greece reports significant drop in drunk driving following increased alcohol testing

Greek Minister of Citizen Protection Michalis Chrysochoidis reported a significant increase in roadside alcohol testing, with 1.7 million checks conducted during the first eight months of 2026. This is a substantial rise compared to the 860,000 checks performed during the same period in 2025.

Chrysochoidis noted that these intensified enforcement measures have led to a decrease in drunk driving. The percentage of drivers exceeding the legal alcohol limit has dropped to 0.7%, down from 2.7% last year and previously ranging between 5% and 7%.

Regarding overall road safety, the Minister stated that the previous year saw 142 fewer fatalities, 80 fewer serious injuries, and over 200 fewer minor injuries compared to the preceding period. He attributed these improvements to a combination of increased police activity and the new Road Traffic Code.